Abbotsford resident and MEI grad Jason Warkentin has announced he will step away from his role as head coach of the Columbia Bible College Bearcats men’s volleyball team.
The school revealed the news in a press released shared on Saturday (Dec. 17). This season will be his last in the role.
Warkentin was a member of the Bearcats club that won a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association gold medal in 2011. He also helped the Bearcats to fourth place national finishes in 2012 and 2014, as well as Pacwest silver medals in 2011, 2012 and 2014.
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He was also a Pacwest first team all-star in 2012 and a second team all-star in 2011 and 2014. He is the school’s all-time leader in blocks, second in digs, sixth in aces and ninth in total offence.
After the 2013-14 season he stepped into the role of assistant coach with the Bearcats for the 2014-15 season and then was named the head coach for 2015-16. His current career record as head coach was 11-119. His top result was a 4-20 season in 2017-18 and the team qualified for the playoffs once during his tenure.
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“Jason Warkentin has been an invaluable member of the Columbia community for well over a decade – an excellent student, a top-notch athlete and a dedicated coach. We will miss his presence deeply, stated CBC president Bryan Born.
“Jason has made an indelible impact on many lives over his eight years. We will miss having him as a coach with Bearcats Athletics,” stated director of athletics and recreation Mike Teeter.
The search for a new coach will begin immediately. Warkentin plans to remain in the Abbotsford community where he works with Athletes in Action.
The final home game at which Bearcats fans can watch Warkentin leading the action will be Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at 8 p.m. in Columbia Place gym.